Devils Lake is synonymous with fishing. Sure, the scenery is nice, but we’re not here for that. We’re here to catch record numbers of walleyes and pike. Or smallmouth bass. Or yellow perch. Or white bass.
A unique feature of Devils Lake is that it has no natural outlets. When it rains, the lake keeps most of the water, which increases its size.
The growth is stabilized for now, but in the early 1990s and 2000s, it grew at a fast pace. That led to plenty of new underwater structure, clearer water, and an explosion in fish populations. The lake and the fish haven’t declined since.
Walleye, smallmouth, largemouth, white bass, perch, northern pike, and the occasional muskie cruise this lake looking for food. Provide the right bait in the right spot, and you’re in for an epic day.
Bring on the fish, and let’s get started!
When to Fish Devils Lake
Seasonal changes will affect the fish you’re targeting. Winter is perfect for perch, walleyes, and pike. White bass are also very active under the ice.
Winter (Ice Fishing)
Devils Lake is simply one of the best ice fishing lakes in North Dakota and one of the best in America.
But ice fishing here shouldn’t be needlessly complicated.
Devils Lake is a vast water with an accessible shoreline throughout. But the basic game plan is: Head out into 20 feet of water, drill a few holes, and set some tip-ups for the pike and walleye, then search for perch. If you find the perch, you’ll find the walleyes and pike.
Several guides in the area will get you on the fish and provide everything you need to have a successful day.
Always be aware of ice conditions before setting out. A spot that was fine yesterday can become unstable the next.
Spring
Spring brings about the spawn for walleyes, white bass and other gamefish, which often head to shallower water and incoming streams.
Along with ice fishing season, after the thaw in spring is often the best time of year for anglers to catch large fish without a boat.
As long as you cast into the water, you should have some bites. Targeting walleyes with proper baits and lures will provide you with epic days. You’ll leave with tired shoulders from catching fish all day.
Bass that were tough to catch under the ice are far more active once the water warms. While they aren’t commonly targeted here, they should be.
Smallmouth bass are everywhere. Cast along the shoreline, and you’ll find them in the rocky areas. Post-spawn bass are going to target your lures aggressively.
Summer and Fall
Walleyes, pike, and bass are everywhere throughout the lake this time of year. Pike and walleyes will be anywhere from 5 to 50 feet deep.
You’re likely to catch a handful of each when targeting either one. Pike will hammer a walleye lure.
Bass and other fish often move a little deeper in the summer heat. Look for them over rocky outcroppings and submerged structures.
Come fall, many of these predatory fish will move back into shallower water chasing smaller fish as they try to fatten up before the long winter ahead.
Devils Lake Game Fish
Let’s dig into the different species to get the most out of your visit to this epic lake.
Walleye
Walleyes are the most sought-after fish in this lake. That might sound like a crime considering the epic smallmouth fishing and utterly insane winter perch fishing, but walleye are still the top draw.
Whether targeting walleye from the shore, a boat, or through the ice, this lake has something for you. A fisheries biologist’s 2022 test collected an average of 35.3 walleyes per net. That’s an outrageous number. They aren’t stunted, either.
Springtime finds walleye in the shallows. Calm, sunny afternoons tend to produce the most fish. Slip bobbers, crankbaits, and jigs with 3-inch paddle tails will produce consistent action. Lindy rigs with live bait are another go-to.
Target areas like submerged roads, weed beds, rock piles, or any humps you pick up on electronics.
Deeper spots like the old former shoreline from pre-flood days are a good shot. It has a shelf formed from years of waves hitting the shore. Walleyes tend to hold along this strip in about 20 feet of water.
Summertime brings different techniques. Target walleye with bottom bouncers. A local guide recommends using 1 ½ ounce bouncer with a spinner blade in orange, copper, gold, or chartreuse.
You can use two rods, which means you can set up one with live bait and the other for casting lures.
Focus your efforts on hard structure throughout the main lake. Humps and rockpiles tend to produce well. Outside weed beds are also worth hitting.
Target the riprap along the state highways. You’ll be surprised at the size of fish you’ll pull that close to shore.
Walleyes love to eat baby perch. Find areas with a lot of smaller perch or white bass and fish that depth. Walleyes will be close by.
Ice fishing for walleyes can be epic. Again, find structure and perch, drill a few holes, and the action will find you.
More: How to Catch Walleye (Best Lures, Baits and Tips)
Yellow Perch
Perch are everywhere in Devils Lake. Perch close to 2 pounds are commonplace here, with the state record pushing closer to 3 pounds caught here. Perch tend to hold quite deep here, so you’ll need to search them out.
The absolute best season for perch is winter. Ice fishing lets you get directly above them and work a school until it disperses. Try using Rat Finkies or tungsten jigs.
Since perch eat whatever they can get in their mouth, finding bait is easy. I’ve caught them on bits of the last perch I reeled in. They go crazy for perch eyes. If you’re bringing bait to the lake, try wax worms or maggots. They can be equally effective.
More: All the Tips and Tricks You Need to Catch Yellow Perch
Northern Pike
Northern pike are likely to come around while you’re fishing for walleyes. There is a good chance of an unexpected hookup with a decent-sized fish. Devils Lake is full of pike, and they can make for an exciting target.
Devils Lake offers a reasonable chance of bringing in a 10- to 15-pound pike any day of the year. The population is massive, and the catching is good year-round.
Pike will be in 5-10 feet of water once it warms. When it’s ice-covered, you’ll find them in any depth from 5 feet to 50 feet.
The population allows for fast action. Between the pike and the walleyes, you’re going to have a hard time keeping them off the lure.
Search for them over humps, along weed beds, shoreline drop-offs, and over the old roadbeds. You can catch them from shore and have a good day of action.
Bass
Smallmouth, largemouth, and white bass are present in Devils Lake. They’re often overlooked for the more popular walleye, perch, and pike.
Bass anglers will catch smallies using the typical lures and baits—target areas close to shore and cast horizontally to cover as much shoreline as possible.
White bass can turn a slow day of fishing into an epic catch fest. If you locate a school of these greedy fish, you’re in for an entertaining time. It’s possible to catch one with every cast.
Most are pan-sized, but 3- and 4-pounders are in the mix.
White bass are active year-round, so your chances of finding an actively feeding school under the ice are very high.
Once you’re onto a school be sure to keep in the same rhythm of reeling and jigging. White bass tend to line up and wait for the bait to come back, even after you’ve yanked their friends to the surface. A rhythm will keep them from dispersing.
White bass are great for teaching kids how to fish. It’s hard not to catch them when over a school. Use white, chartreuse, or yellow grub tails and jig straight down to them. If they’re being finicky, add a bit of nightcrawler or wax worm to the jig.
Largemouth bass are in the lake, though not in great numbers like the smallies or white bass.
Planning Your Trip
Devils Lake is in north-central North Dakota. It’s about a split distance between Minot and Grand Forks. The City of Devils Lake makes the perfect base camp for exploring this massive lake.
Hiking, kayaking, and cross-country skiing are available to keep the family entertained while you catch record-sized perch.
Boat and Shore Access
Boat launches are available around the lake and at the state park on the island. A mix of public and private launches provide easy access to the water. The golf course rents kayaks as well.
Shore access is available almost everywhere. Highways 19, 57, and 20 have been built up with riprap to avoid flooding. As a bonus, all that rock provides the perfect hunting grounds for walleye and pike.
Several smaller gravel roads run along Channel A and Mauve Coulee. Watch out for posted signs, but for the most part, it’s open for fishing. You can follow several of these to access the nearby lakes that feed into Devils Lake.
Accommodations, Services & Supplies
The City of Devils Lake is a great launching point. It’s home to several guides, and many local hotels and resorts have packages including guided fishing. Most hotels also provide fish cleaning stations.
There’s plenty of camping around the lake, from Grahams Island State Park (Devils Lake State Park) to numerous private campgrounds. RV connections are available at most sites.
Food and amenities are available at most of the communities around the lake, though Devils Lake has the most options for tackle shops and restaurants. Rumor has it their steakhouse is fantastic.